Beef slaughter plant in Aberdeen, S.D., has wasterwater problems

ABERDEEN, S.D. — City officials in Aberdeen have notified a long-delayed beef processing plant that is trying to get up to speed that it is violating its wastewater permit.

The Northern Beef Packers plant allegedly has failed to monitor pollutants and properly operate its treatment lagoons. It also does not have a certified wastewater supervisor on staff.

City Attorney Adam Altman says that the violations are not acceptable. Plant officials declined comment.

The plant won't be fined but has been given 10 days to start fixing the problems.

The $109 million plant eventually aims to process 1,500 cattle per day from the Dakotas, Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota. It has been ramping up toward full production after years of delays due to problems including financial issues, flooding and lawsuits.